Press Release - World Diabetes Day 2006, “Diabetes Care for Everyone”
November 10,
2006
The International
Diabetes Federation (IDF) has made 'Diabetes Care for Everyone'
its campaign for 2006. One of the reasons for the campaign is
because many individuals suffer avoidable, serious type 2
diabetes health complications due to a lack of care. This is not
just a lack of care for those diagnosed with the condition, but
also a lack of care for the even larger number of people who are
not in contact with health service providers.
There are many
reasons for the lack of care for many of those with type 2
diabetes, and those with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition
that can be undetectable due to the lack of external symptoms.
Irrespective of the cause, lack of care is one of the key
contributing factors to the adverse health complications of type
2 diabetes.
One of the
essential, prerequisite steps to address the problem is to raise
public awareness on how, when and why access to health care
services for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes is
important. Better public understanding can help achieve the goal
of improving access to diabetes care in many ways. For example,
better public understanding can increase rates of early
detection and diagnosis; increase the individual's ability and
motivation to access appropriate medical care and advice; as
well as extend the reach and impact of medical advice on
beneficial dietary and lifestyle habits for the prevention and
management of type 2 diabetes.
In support of IDF's
campaign, AFIC is launching two new resources designed to
improve individuals' understanding of type 2 diabetes and what
they can do to avoid developing complications associated with
type 2 diabetes. This article is based on extracts from one of
these resources, the fully revised and updated 'What You Should
Know About Type 2 Diabetes' leaflet.
What is Type 2
Diabetes?
Diabetes is a
condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and
undesirable changes in blood fats. Type 2 diabetes is the most
common type of diabetes. 85 - 95 % of all diabetes cases are
type 2 diabetes. It usually occurs in adulthood, although a
small but increasing number of children and adolescents who are
overweight are developing the condition also.
How Many People
are Affected by Type 2 Diabetes?
India has the
highest number of people with diabetes in the world (35.5
million persons), followed by the People's Republic of China in
the second place with 23.8 million diabetics. In 2003, 39.3
million people in the South-East Asian region were estimated to
be diabetic, which is equivalent to 5.6% of the population.
The Diabetes
Atlas of the World Diabetes Foundation estimates that over 5% of
the adult population worldwide has diabetes, and that a further
8% has impaired glucose tolerance, a condition which can
contribute to many of the health complications of diabetes and
in many instances if left unchecked, will progress to type 2
diabetes.
What are the
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes
advances very slowly, sometimes without external symptoms. 1 in
3 of those diagnosed with diabetes has already developed
complications. In these instances, some of the effects may be
irreversible.
The most common
external symptoms of type 2 diabetes are excessive thirst,
frequent passing of urine, hunger, unintentional weight loss,
lack of energy, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or bruises,
tingling or loss of feelings in hands or feet, recurring
infection of the skin, gum, vagina, or urinary tract.
How can I Prevent
or Minimize Type 2 Diabetes Complications?
To avoid
complications, it is important to detect diabetes as early as
possible. For those who are overweight or obese and over 45
years of age, it would be wise to request a simple diabetes test
from the doctor once a year.
For those diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes, maintaining good control of blood glucose,
blood fats and blood pressure are priority goals. To achieve
good control of blood glucose, both medications and lifestyle
changes may be needed. Lifestyle changes include a healthier
eating plan and physical exercise.
Regular visits to
the doctor's office will also ensure early detection of any
developing health complications.
Who is at Risk of
Type 2 Diabetes?
Those with a
family history of type 2 diabetes: Genetics play a role in
type 2 diabetes. If one or more direct family members has
type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing diabetes is
significantly increased.
Overweight and
obese people: More than 8 out of 10 type 2 diabetics are
either overweight or obese.
Inactive
persons: type 2 diabetes usually affects the more sedentary
persons. Being physically active can reduce the chance of
developing type 2 diabetes by half.
Advancing age: 1
in 5 persons over 65 years old has type 2 diabetes.
How can I Prevent
or Delay the Onset of Diabetes?
For those who
are overweight, reducing excess body fat by 7 - 10% of the
current weight halves the chance of developing type 2
diabetes.
Fat accumulated
around the abdominal area particularly increases the risk of
developing diabetes and associated complications. Fat around
the abdomen can be measured by measuring waist
circumference. To do this, use a tape measure midway between
the lowest rib and the upper part of the hip bone. Waist
circumference of less than 90 cm for men and less than 80 cm
for women indicates a lower risk. For those with more
abdominal fat, the risk increases proportionately with
increasing girth.
Active use of
muscle increases the muscle's ability to absorb glucose and
to use insulin, both of which will benefit those with, or at
risk of type 2 diabetes. A combination of aerobic exercise,
strength training, and flexibility exercise is recommended.
Exercise Tips
a) Aerobic exercise:
Recommended at least 5 times a week for about 30 minutes a day.
If you need to lose weight, more exercise time is beneficial.
Consult your physician before increasing exercise levels.
b) Strength
training: Building up muscle mass is good for diabetics to burn
more calories and improve the body's own ability to lower blood
sugar levels. Weight lifting is an example of strength training.
c) Flexibility
exercises like stretching helps to keep the joints flexible and
reduces the risk of getting injured during exercise.
Tips to increase
your physical activity:
Park at the far
end of the parking lot.
Do some
gardening at home.
Get involved in
active play with your children or grandchildren.
Take the stairs
instead of the lift or elevator.
Or climb the
elevator.
Wash your
vehicle.
Stop a few
blocks away from your usual bus stop/station and walk the
distance.
Diet Tips
The two most
important dietary strategies that can reduce type 2 diabetes
risks are choosing high fibre and unrefined carbohydrate food
sources and choosing foods that are low in fat, especially
saturated fats.
Choose wholegrain,
high fiber carbohydrate sources and limit consumption of highly
refined carbohydrates. Wholegrain high-fiber carbohydrates are
slowly absorbed, which limits increase of blood glucose levels
and reduces insulin demand. Good choices include brown rice,
oats, wholegrain bread, soba noodles, mung bean vermicelli, most
beans, nuts and bulgur.
Use unsaturated fats
instead of saturated and trans fats. Unsaturated fats, such as
canola, olive, peanut, sunflower, or corn oil help in preventing
type 2 diabetes. Coconut, palm and palm kernel oil which contain
higher levels of saturated fat and hard and semi-hard
margarines, as well as lard, which contain both saturated and
trans fats, may accelerate the development of type 2 diabetes
and complications.
Further Reading:
(1.)Diet, Nutrition and The
Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Report of a Joint WHO/ FAO
Expert Consultation, 2003
